20211010-MMPI0076
On Sunday 10th October 2021 I ventured to Oxenfdord Weir for a morning of bird photography. The weir is a great location for getting close to some wading birds and waterbirds that feed around a small cascade which presents lots of small fish for the hungry birds. The day started with a pair of men from Sea World trying to catch an immature Australian Pelican that unfortunately had some fishing tackle stuck in its neck. They men tried very hard to catch the injured youngster among a flock of five birds, eventually running out of fish and having to give it away for the day. Talking to them after their great effort, they said they'd be back to try again later that day and would keep trying until they managed to capture it or the bird leaves. After that an Eastern Great Egret in breeding plumage picked some tiddlers out from the cascade, with the White-faced Heron decided to wait until the Great Egret finished feeding as they have a definite pecking order.The Pelicans provided the best action of the day, I got many shots of them flying in for a landing, swimming and fishing. I missed a really good opportunity for a shot of the beautiful Azure Kingfisher which unbeknownst to me had landed a few metres away while I was watching the men trying to catch the Pelican. When I turned my head towwards where the Kingfisher had landed it took flight, much to my deapair. Finally a pair of Osprey perched on the power lines for their morning feeding, the female catching a nice big fish and the male taking off after three missed attempts. I managed to capture only a couple of sharp shots of the male in action. A wonderful morning at an excellent bird location, and met a couple of new birders.
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